Game Market 1983

Chapter 112: The Divine Hand of Uchimura

"What should I do...?"

Facing the brightly smiling Miyuki-chan in a swimsuit inside the glass display, I felt an overwhelming urge to buy it, just like that.

However, the price is the issue. 17,800 yen...

It's the summer-limited special edition of the 'Empty Streets' three-heroine swimsuit version, released by the renowned figure creator Hotobukia.

With Morita-san personally overseeing the figure's production and painting, it boasted an unparalleled level of quality.

As the world of gaming progressed, Akihabara not only featured games but also large shops selling character goods like figures and bromides. This trend gained immense popularity among gamers like us, offering a one-stop solution for all our needs without wandering around.

Even though it was summer, the air conditioning kept the place cool, and the corner I was in showcased the masterpiece of Pentagon Soft, the 'Empty Streets' exclusive section.

I already owned the OVA released in May, and the limited edition of 'Empty Streets' that I invested half of my allowance and part-time job earnings in was my precious No. 1 treasure.

With those in my possession, it seemed like there was nothing more to envy.

But that was just my misconception.

Right in front of my eyes...

There she was...

A 17,800 yen figure... and not just one, but three...

"I... I want to buy it."

But now, I have no money left. After deducting rent and other expenses, I only have about 20,000 yen left.

If I buy that, I'll have to survive the month with just 2,200 yen.

And the terrifying thought crossed my mind: How many instant noodles can I buy with the remaining 2,200 yen? I was doing the calculations in my head.

"It's a shame, but let's give up."

I have enough bromides at home already.

As I tried to move my reluctant feet towards the exit, I heard a group of voices behind me.

"Wow, the quality is amazing."

"Cough... 17,800 yen? That's expensive!! ...But I want it."

"Summer limited edition. Swimsuit version... If they sell out, they won't restock."

Wait... they won't restock?

"If you wait too long, the price will skyrocket. It's cheaper to buy it at the regular price now."

Yeah, that guy is right...

If it were me, I would definitely get it later. But when that time comes, I couldn't even imagine how much the price of that figure would rise.

"Should I just buy it?"

"Go for it~ Even if you resell it later, it's a good deal~ Keke~"

"Should I? Then let's just buy one for now. What should I use...?"

It's because of people like you that our pure collectors suffer.

Infuriated by their conversation, I clenched my fists and called the cashier.

I can't let the Miyuki limited figure fall into the hands of impure collectors like them!!

...

"Thank you~ Please come again~"

"I... I bought it. I actually bought it."

Before I knew it, the limited edition Miyuki summer figure was in my right hand.

It's the 8th today!! I only have 2,200 yen left in my pocket. This is a big problem!!

But even the anxious thoughts disappeared like melting snow when I looked at the figure box held in my right hand.

"Well, I work at a rice bowl restaurant for part-time, so I can manage to eat once a day..."

Comforting myself with such thoughts, I happened to spot the Tamago Monster Shop, enjoying immense popularity recently, as I walked back.

Just approaching it made the heat inside the shop feel suffocating.

Especially in the Monster Battle Zone, a host was boosting the morale of kids battling in costumes of game characters, adding excitement to the atmosphere.

"Now!! This is the final battle. What monster will the challenger summon!?"

The Tamago Monster Tournament held every weekend.

Since the portable Game Boy lacks an OUTPUT jack for video, special equipment was used to broadcast the screen directly using a camera to capture the gameplay, showing it on a massive projector in the middle of the stage.

On the stage, players were deeply engrossed in playing, placing their game consoles on a table where video equipment was set up.

"Shall I take a look for a moment?"

Unable to just pass by like a sparrow ignoring a granary, I decided to take a quick look around the Tamago Shop.

Upon entering, the chaotic voices of kids in the Battle Zone and Adventure Zone pierced my ears.

People were still lined up in front of the gacha machines, trying their luck with Tamago pulls.

Inserting two 1,000 yen bills into the banknote slot of the egg-shaped vending machine and turning the lever in the middle resulted in a white plastic capsule rolling out.

After removing the sealed vinyl, turning the capsule revealed various-colored Tamago figures along with a simple manual.

Among them, the snow-white Tamago, labeled as 'Final Frontier's Tamago,' contained monster data for the Final Frontier, created by Pentagon Soft.

Seeing that two out of five people who just did the gacha drew the white Tamago, it seemed better to consider it a special edition for promoting the Final Frontier rather than a limited quantity.

Then, I noticed a banner hanging across the event venue.

- 3rd Tamago Monster Tournament! Find the strongest monster!! Defend against challengers' monster battles ten times, and win 20,000 yen prize money. -

Oh? Prize money?? And 20,000 yen at that!?

A chance to make up for the living expenses I just spent on the limited Miyuki figure during my Akihabara visit.

Luckily, I brought my portable Game Boy, expecting some boredom during my stay in Akihabara. I quickly took out the game console and examined the data. At that moment, with a beep, the Tamago figure I've been playing with since its release yesterday entered an evolved state, signaling an alarm.

Beep beep beep~!!

After a brief deep breath, I grabbed the Tamago figure I've been playing with since its release.

The Tamago figure I had was the 'Final Frontier's Tamago,' and if played well, it could evolve into a higher-level monster this time. Like splitting a card in poker, I slowly slid my thumb down the screen.

What appeared at the top of the screen was something pointed...

Moving my finger a bit more down, I felt the chill as I realized it was the claw of a dragon emerging from wings.

"No way... No way..."

Swallowing my dry saliva, I continued sliding my finger to the bottom, and within the Tamago figure's screen, a black dragon with giant wings came into view.

"In... credible."

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